Malaysia considers special immigration lane for Johor voters in Singapore

Malaysia is contemplating a special immigration lane for Johor voters living in Singapore to ensure their participation in the upcoming state elections. Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the home ministry and immigration department will respond accordingly once the Election Commission announces the dates for the snap polls.

"We will accommodate anything that can help facilitate Johor voters’ participation in the democratic process on polling day, to the best of our ability," Ismail told reporters. Johor's state assembly was dissolved on June 1, triggering a snap election within 60 days. The choice of polling day, whether Saturday or Sunday, will impact border crossing flows, Ismail noted.

Special arrangements have been made in previous elections to facilitate border crossings for Malaysians working in Singapore. During Malaysia's 2022 General Elections, Johor authorities prepared about 20 dedicated car lanes at the Bangunan Sultan Iskandar (BSI) customs, immigration and quarantine complex to ease the journey for thousands of Malaysians returning from Singapore to vote. A special lane was also opened for Singapore-based voters in a 2019 parliamentary by-election for Tanjung Piai in Johor.

Over 2.7 million voters are eligible for the 16th Johor state election. The figure includes over 24,000 early voters. The state assembly has 56 seats, with the majority currently held by Barisan Nasional, followed by Pakatan Harapan, Perikatan Nasional, and Malaysian United Democratic Alliance.

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We will accommodate anything that can help facilitate Johor voters’ participation in the democratic process on polling day, to the best of our ability.